Bird Houses and Shelter
We can not understate the importance of landscaping to both attract birds,
and to protect them. Here is where gardeners skills can be utilized to your
feathery friend's advantage. Different birds like different kinds of shelter.
A variety of thick shrubs, and medium to large trees with lots of branches,
are useful it get a wider range of backyard birds to take up residence.
As a homeowner and gardener, look for trees and shrubs that are aesthetically
pleasing to your landscaping plans. Select shrubs and plants that provide
shelter ,and are a source of food. Many fruit trees offer both, and may fit
towards the back corner of your yard. Add berry bushes if you have the space.
Nesting
Birds will select one of three places for their homes:
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Nest in trees. Depending upon the bird, they will nest in almost any tree
and at varying heights. To promote different species, have a variety of trees
and shrubs in your yard.
-
Cavity Dwellers- These birds look for holes in trees and......birdhouses.
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Ground nesters- These are wild birds that you won't see at your bird feeder.
But, if you have a lot of acreage, you may find them in residence.
It is also important to have an abundance of nest building material around
the yard. This can be natural materials like straws, branches and twigs.
It can also include manmade materials like yarn and string. Place the material
in an open area and the birds will find them.
A number of birds build their nest with mud to hold the nest together. Look
around your yard. If there is no source for mud, make a small supply in an
open and accessible place. Don't worry. If it's there, the birds will find
it.
Birdhouses
Birdhouses are fun to have in your backyard. Cavity dwelling birds will make
them home. But don't expect birds like robins to call it home. Only cavity
dwellers like wrens and bluebirds will take up residence.
When putting up a birdhouse, the hole is best placed facing south. From this
direction, there is normally less wind and rain entering the hole.
Buy Bird House
Did you know? Cavity nesting birds do not need perches. As a matter
of fact, a perch will only benefit predators.
More Information:
Birds
and Their Shelter Defines ideal nesting spot for a variety of common
backyard birds.
Bird
Nesting Chart Provides by bird habitat, nesting requirement, house height,
nesting materials ,and description of eggs.
Other:
Looking for the right flowers to grow to attract birds to your garden? Try
a selection of plants for the perfect
Hummingbird/Butterfly
Garden
Buy Flower Seeds that attract birds.
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